Also called: Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Design Engineer
Designs airplanes, helicopters, and their parts, then proves on paper and in tests that they will fly safely.
You might start the morning in a design review arguing over whether a wing bracket can lose 2 pounds without cracking. After lunch you run a simulation of the part under a hard landing, then walk down to the hangar floor to see the real one being bolted on. Most of the job is math, software, and meetings, broken up by very cool moments next to real aircraft.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering; many earn a master's while working.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI speeds CAD, analysis and certification paperwork, trimming junior desk work; testing, integration and FAA-grade accountability stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Computer science, CAD or engineering CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2011.
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